Sale 1205 — 2019 Rarities of the World
Sale Date — Wednesday, 26 June, 2019
Category — 1894-98 Bureau Issues
2c Carmine Lake, Ty. I (249). Original gum, beautiful vivid color and proof-like impression, mathematically perfect centering with Jumbo marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SPECTACULAR EXAMPLE OF THE UNWATERMARKED 2-CENT TYPE I 1894 ISSUE IN THE CARMINE LAKE SHADE -- GRADED GEM 100 JUMBO BY P.S.E.
As collectors of the First Bureau Issue know, great difficulty was experienced in perforating the stamps, either due to poor equipment or improper operation. Choppy, ragged perfs and poor centering are so common on this issue that it is often possible to separate the 1894 unwatermarked stamps from the 1895 watermarked stamps by the appearance of the perforations alone. This example, with precise centering, Jumbo margins and perfectly formed perforations is an extreme condition rarity.
With 2009 P.S.E. certificate (OGph, Gem 100 Jumbo; unpriced in SMQ above the grade of 100, SMQ $2,450.00 as 100). This is the highest grade possible and it is shared by only one other. A single Mint N.H. example also shares this grade, which realized $27,000 in our sale of the Alan Whitman collection. This is a wonderful opportunity for the collector who values perfection but does not mind a light hinge
4c Dark Brown (254). Mint N.H., intense shade and impression, phenomenal centering with Jumbo marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. AN ABSOLUTELY STUNNING MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1894 4-CENT UNWATERMARKED BUREAU ISSUE, GRADED SUPERB 98 JUMBO BY P.S.E. -- THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED. A TRULY REMARKABLE STAMP.
Ex Merlin. With 1999 P.F. and 2005 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98 Jumbo; SMQ $16,500.00). This is the highest grade awarded and only one other shares it. We have never seen the other, but we would be interested in comparing margin size as this has the widest we have ever encountered.
$1.00 Black (261). Exceptionally wide margins and precise centering, detailed impression on bright white paper, unobtrusive oval grid cancelEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1894 $1.00 TYPE I UNWATERMARKED BUREAU ISSUE.
With 2016 P.F. certificate (XF-Superb 95 XQ)